First Days in Cusco

Ike and I have been in Cusco for just over a week now and we are slowly becoming acclimated to the high altitude.  Cusco is located in southern Perú, high in the Andes, with over a half million people living in the city and the surrounding "metropolitan" area.  Our apartment is located in the "neighborhood" of Larapa, which is located to the east of the downtown center of Cusco.  Larapa is actually on the side of a mountain and our apartment is closer to the bottom of the mountain - maybe a third of the way up.  Other families on our team are further up - between a 10-15 minute walk.  I'm not sure yet exactly how far Larapa is from downtown Cusco - maybe 5 miles?  Since we don't have a vehicle yet, we have used taxis and "combis" to get around.  (Well, in addition to our feet, that is :)  The combis are the Peruvian version of a bus system and are the main mode of transportation for most Peruvians.  Most of the combis are similar to vans and microbuses and many times they can be quite crowded.  They all go different places, though, so we have to make sure that we get on the right one.  We usually take Servicio Rapído because it comes right by our apartment (yay!) and goes all the way into downtown Cusco.  And the part that Ike really likes is that it only costs 60 centimos to ride - that's the equivalent of about 20 cents.
We are getting settled into our apartment, but it is a VERY slow process.  We now have a stove and refrigerator, a sofa, a table, and a bed!  Poco a poco (little by little)!

This picture is taken from the bottom of our hill, looking up.  I'm not sure that it looks as steep as it really is.  Or maybe  it just seems steeper when you're walking uphill at 11,000 feet.

Our "Communication Center".  Trunks are so multi-functional.  Every household should have at least one!    

This is one of the combis that we ride.  And let me just say that there is NO maximum capacity!  When all the seats are taken, and more people want to get on, they stand.  You can feel a bit like a sardine in a can :)

When Things Don't Go The Way I Planned

Okay, I have to admit that I really like it when things go the way I think they should.  You know - little things, big things.  And I certainly don't want any interruptions that aren't a part of the plan.
Recently we had a short break from school, so we took a quick trip to the beach with some friends.  You know - a time to get away, rest and recharge, come back refreshed and ready to finish the trimester strong!  Well, it didn't happen quite that way at all!   And then, to top it off, during our last morning there, I was in the ocean and this really giant wave knocked me down.  Of course I was wearing my glasses at the time because I wanted to be able to see.  (For those of you who know me, you know that I can see next to nothing without my glasses!)  Well, when I came up from the bottom of the ocean, my glasses did not come up with me!  We did search for them.  (Have you ever tried to find a pair of glasses in the ocean?  Not an easy task!  Be on the lookout this summer when you're at the beach - you may find them for me :)  Okay, so eye exams in San Jose are really rather inexpensive - about $6.00.  Of course, a new pair of glasses costs a little more than that :)
So then, I came to the conclusion that I am having difficulty losing weight.  It couldn't have anything to do with the food that I eat or my exercise routine :)  Actually, I had cut back on my food intake (that sounds so clinical!) and I have been attempting to eat healthy foods.  Plus, I thought that I was getting some good exercise - I mean, we do have to walk almost everywhere that we go!  Back in February, the doctor had mentioned that at some point, I should probably have my thyroid checked.  Well, I decided that this was a good time to do that.  After all, thyroid problems run in my family and difficulty losing weight can be a symptom.  So - the doctor ordered bloodwork and an ultrasound.  Well, the bloodwork was normal (in other words, I need to work on the diet and exercise!), but (this part wasn't supposed to happen), the doctor doing the ultrasound found some solid nodules on my thyroid.  So that led to a fine-needle biopsy!  I am so, so, so very thankful that the results indicate that the nodules are benign!  As for the procedure itself, I will just say that it was not fun at all!
And then yesterday morning I was walking in our apartment and minding my own business.  However, there was some water on the floor that I did not see.  Well, my feet found the water, I did a partial split, and went down hard on my left knee.  Tile floors are not very kind to you when you hit them hard!  I spent yesterday afternoon with my leg elevated and an ice pack on my knee.  I think it is better today, but I am still walking with a limp.
But, then God gently reminds me that, in the midst of life, He is in control.  And even when I don't know everything that lies ahead, He does.  It is through these unexpected situations that God draws me closer to Himself and reminds me of His faithfulness to me.  My faith is strengthened and deepened as I realize yet again that "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." --- Psalm 62:1-2

Not just one pair, but TWO new pairs of glasses.  See, Ike decided to copy me.  And when I say copy, I mean copy in almost the exact same way!  So, be on the lookout for TWO pairs of glasses at the beach.

Ike and John chillin' on the beach

Food, fun, and fireworks for the Fourth

                 Rafael and Ike at the Fourth of July celebration

 We may not have been in the States for the fourth of July, but we still enjoyed celebrating the freedom and liberty that our country is blessed with because of the work and sacrifice of our our military men and women.  Many of the students at our school gathered together on the Fourth and celebrated in traditional style.  We had grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, watermelon and more.  And then, of course, there were the desserts - apple pie, brownies, cookies.  Yum, yum!!  My pictures of the fireworks didn't turn out, but they were a spectacular ending to our evening of patriotic celebration!

Floyd and Wes grilling the burgers and hot hogs!

The food line :)

Abe enjoying his yummy watermelon!

Life and Language Learning Continue

When we arrived in Costa Rica to begin school at ILE,  I knew a total of about 5 words in spanish.  Words like hola, adios, baño, etc.  And to be honest, I didn't really know how to pronounce them correctly.  I never took any Spanish classes in high school or college and only picked up the few words that I did know from mission trips that I had participated in.  I have to remind myself frequently of this fact because, so often, I feel that I still cannot talk very well in Spanish.  But then, I am totally amazed at how much I have learned when I think of where I began!  I know 14 different ways to conjugate verbs in spanish.  I know a gazillion (this is actually a real word!) rules about which conjugation to use depending on what I want to say and why I want to say it.  I know the correct way to pronounce letters and words (though for some reason, my mouth does not like to let on that my brain really does know how to pronounce correctly!)  I can communicate my needs (it doesn't always sound pretty, but people understand me - they're very gracious here :)  Part of my problem seems to be that I can't listen and think at the same time.  Now, that I think about it, I think I have that same problem in English!  

So, what am I learning in all of this (besides lots of Spanish, of course!!)?  Probably the main thing is that I need to stop comparing myself to other people.  When I compare myself to how well other people can speak Spanish, I can immediately become discouraged and feel like a failure.  But, when I stop and look at how much I know now that I did not know even six months ago, I am awed and amazed at what God has done!  

Of course, Ike and I are thankful to be here with a team of precious people who encourage us and challenge us.  We often get treated to visits like the picture below!  There's nothing better and more heartening than having four pretty princesses drop by for a visit :)

Four pretty princesses

Learning Spanish . . .

Hank, Ike, and I on a day trip to Volcan Poás.  It's cold at 8000 feet!

Okay, I know that it's been far too long since I have written anything!  I think that I have been a bit more overwhelmed with language learning this trimester than I was last trimester - or at least, that's my excuse!  (We have had much more homework, presentations, and such.)  Anyway, here I am - ready to blog again!

Many people have been asking me how our language learning is going.  Well, last weekend, our home church (First Pres Augusta) had it's annual missions conference.  During the last night of the conference, they skyped with our team here in Costa Rica and they asked me to share about the challenges of learning Spanish.  So here is what I shared with them:

Last year at this time, I was a first-grade teacher - teaching little 6-year olds how to read and write in English - teaching all about phonics and fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, grammar and sentence structure.  Which is exactly what I am learning now in spanish.  It’s very interesting being on the other side - being the student instead of the teacher.  For one thing, I realize now that all of my little six-year old students were brilliant!  We  have been in language school for 6 months now and I am no where near the level of even my slowest first grade student.  In fact, imagine your favorite 2- or 3-year old and think about “conversations” that you have had with him.  Does he tend to speak in complete sentences? No.  Does he speak with the correct verb tense?  Most of the time, probably not.  Does he have an extended vocabulary?  No.  Does he rattle off 2 or 3 sentences quickly at one time?  Most of the time, probably not.  Well - that’s about how I speak!  Like a 2-and-1/2-year old.

During our orientation here at language school, we were told that learning a new language would be very humbling.  And boy were they right!  In fact, every student at our school would agree that this has been one of the most humbling experiences they have ever had.  But, we have wonderful teachers here who are extremely encouraging.  They remind us time and again, that this is not an overnight process.  Reality is, language school is a foundation and when we arrive in Peru, we will continue learning and putting into practice what we are being taught in language school right now.

Learning Spanish has been exciting, challenging, difficult, overwhelming, humiliating at times, painful, and humbling.  But it’s also deepened my dependence on God.  This is definitely not something that I can do in my own strength.  Being able to communicate the hope of the gospel in spanish will come about only through His power and in His time.

A Quick Trip Home!

Ike and I made a quick trip home in order to spend Christmas with our families.  And when I say quick, believe me, it was quick!!  We arrived in Atlanta late at night on December 22 and we left the following Wednesday, the 29th.  Although it was a whirlwind trip, we enjoyed the time that we were able to spend with our families.

We spent Christmas Eve with my extended family - there were almost 40 of us!  We call it Grab Bag and it is a family tradition that I cherish.  We eat, we talk, we laugh, we read the Christmas story, we catch up on each other's lives, and we wonder . . . . Who is going to get the glove stretchers this year?!

Eating lots of scrumptious food!!

Actually, my Aunt Margaret got the elf hat in grab bag;
but she didn't want to mess up her hair, so her
grandson Jonathan put it on.

                                          My nieces and nephews
          (minus Abby, who had to work at the hospital on Christmas Eve)

Bethany wraps up the night with
a little music.

Christmas Day found Ike and I at his parents house with most of his family.  More yummy food to eat, as well as lots of talking!  We missed David and Colleen, who were in Texas with her family.

Annie (Ike's other niece) models
her new Christmas presents -
a coat, scarf, and gloves.

Ike's niece Joanna and her dog Chesney.
Chesney is one super-behaved
dog - and he loves Joanna!

Feliz de acción de gracias!

Feliz de acción de gracias!  Or in other words -- Happy Thanksgiving!  This has been a very different Thanksgiving for Ike and me.  For one thing we went to school on Thanksgiving Day just like we do every day.  And we spent the afternoon with our tutor Marcos, learning about pasados, preterites, and mandatos.  But in between our "routine" activities, we did have time to think about our families and friends.  It's sad to be apart -  but it's been fun to remember special times that we have shared.  Looking at photographs (of many of you!), smelling yummy hot spiced tea simmering on the stovetop and pumpkin bread baking in the oven, and listening to Christmas music are just a few of the triggers that bring back memories of special times together.  And even though we are far from home, we have much to be thankful for!  We are thankful for each of you - for your emails, for your prayers, for your encouragement and support of us.
Since we had school on Thursday (the kids had school on Friday as well), we celebrated thanksgiving with our team on Saturday.  Lots of yummy food and sweet fellowship!

Brooke and Kristen making final preparations before we serve our plates.

Giving thanks before the meal.

Yum-Yum!

Our menu consisted of chicken, dressing and cranberry sauce (☺), green beans, broccoli casserole, zucchini casserole, camote (kindof like sweet potatoes) soufflé, and strawberry salad.  And that doesn't even include the appetizers and desserts!  After we ate, the kids had "fun time" and the adults had time to talk and thank God together for his faithfulness and provision.

Abe and Eliza

"¡Grande, Señor, es tu fidelidad!"

(Great, Lord, is your faithfulness)

Life in San Francisco Del dos Rios

Many of you have asked about our life here in Costa Rica, so I thought that I would share with you what a typical day looks like for us.

5:30 am          We actually start the day pretty early.  The sun is up by 5:30 and even at that early hour, there is already a hustle and bustle outside in the streets.  After coffee and breakfast, Ike and I both usually find a little time to study before getting ready for school.

The school is just up the hill
on the left side of the street.

Pedro, the guardo at the
school, greets us each
morning at the top gate.

7:20 am          With our backpacks and umbrellas, we head out the door to school.  It's just a 5-minute walk for us to the front gate of the school so we have time to greet fellow students before classes begin.



















7:30-12:05      We are in class.  Our classes consist of gramática, lenguaje, and fonética.  Ike and I are not in the same classes, but we both really like the teachers that we have.  For the most part, our teachers speak only in spanish in the classroom.  That can be a bit challenging when all the directions are in spanish!!

This is my (Joanne's) Lenguage class.  My profesora Patricia
has on the red shirt.  We have a good time in class!

12:15              Time for lunch!!  After a morning of spanish classes, we are always hungry!  We walk the short distance home and prepare a quick lunch.  On Wednesdays we have a special treat.  Our costa rican friend Rosa comes to our house and prepares a typical costa rican food (like chile rellanos, guacamole, etc.) for us.  She also eats with us and since she knows very little english, we get to put our language learning into practice.  After about an hour, my brain hurts - but, my stomach is very happy!!

2:00-4:00       Depending on the day, we either go for our tutoring sessions with Marcos, exercise, walk to one of the nearby grocery stores, visit with friends, wash the laundry, etc.  A couple of weeks ago Ike and I decided that it would be helpful if we got a tutor to provide us with some additional individual instruction.  Many years ago Marcos actually taught at ILE so he is very familiar with the curriculum.  As well as challenging us with new information, he spends lots of time in conversation with us so we are putting into practice what we are learning at school.  We look forward to our Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with him!

4:15ish    Homework Time!

5:30             Time to get supper ready!  We have to wash all of our fresh veggies and fruits in a clorox and water solution.  It's a slightly time consuming process, but a necessary one.  Our meals usually consist of some type of meat (chicken or beef), rice and beans, and fresh veggies.  In the dish drainer to the left there are limons, apples, tomatoes, avocados, and sweet peppers.  The colander has cilantro in it - a much used ingredient here!!


6:45ish         After supper we spend more time studying.  It gets dark here by about 5:30 so even though it's only about 7:00 it feels much later than that.  Most nights we are ready for bed by 8:00.  Tuesday nights are my (Joanne's) late night.   That's because  Tuesday nights are when our school has volleyball night.  That's right - after about a 12-year hiatus I've put my knee pads back on and I'm playing volleyball again!  I wasn't sure I would remember how to play after all these years, but much of it is coming back (although I cannot dive for the ball the way I use to!) and it is lots of fun!  We play from 6:00-8:00 every Tuesday night.

Well, that's a rough overview of our week.  I'll have to write later about our weekends.